Nuestra Senora De Salvacion
Remember my article “What’s Behind Joroan Shrine“? Click the link for you to find out what was it behind the Joroan Shrine. Joroan Shrine is where the image of Nuestra Senora De Salvacion also located. According to my brother, when they speak of Joroan, they were also referring to Nuestra Senora De Salvacion. Joroan was known in Bicol because of her image and title as Nuestra Señora de Salvacion.
Every year, specially during the whole month of August until September, devotees from all over Bicol Region visit the shrine. The last Saturday of August is traditionally held as a special day of pilgrimage. During the vesper of the last Friday, devotees in buses and jeepneys from other provinces of Bicol are coming to the shrine of Blessed Virgin in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.
technorati: christianity tourism
Vote Tubbataha Reef For Seven New Wonders Of Nature
The turtle species that can be found mostly in the Philippines. Its called “Green Turtle” with scientific name Chelonia mydas. Most filipinos call it “pawikan“, others call it bildog (Isabela), tabugon (Mindoro), talisayon, mandarait ( Bicol); daranawan (Samar), anuno, katuan (Palawan); pudno (Tausug, Samal); payukan (Mapun); tortuga (Zamboanga); tuod (Siargao, Camiguin). Similarly, it is found throughout the Philippines with major nesting areas in the Turtle Islands and San Miguel Group of Islands, both in the Province of Tawi-Tawi and in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.
This is just one of our endangered species that can be found in Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Tubbataha is nominated for the “New Seven Wonders of Nature“.
Read more…
Club Paradise In Coron, Palawan
I love nature… I love beach… I love the feeling of sand on my feet, walking and smell the sea breeze. Whew! Its summer again in the Philippines, school vacation and most family will take their vacation. I’ve been to Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan last year. Too bad that I’m active to moblog and not to “real” blogging. It didn’t cross my mind that someday, I’ll be needing more pictures to show the world the beauty of Palawan.
A mere 60 minutes by plane southwest from Manila, and another 60 minutes ride by land and by sea is the 19-hectare island of Dimakya, home to Club Paradise. This island resort, blessed with 700 meters stretch of sun kissed talcum soft white beach and turqoise waters, serves as a sanctuary to a wide array of unique flora and fauna. – taken from Club Paradise website
We took the Asian Spirit flight, from Manila to Busuanga (Coron). Their price are much better compared to other airlines and they have once a day, 5 days a week Manila – Busuanga -Manila flight. There is also a Php 200.00 terminal fee to pay in Manila, a Php 10.00 terminal fee at Busuanga, and a Php 150.00 charge for ground transportation, via jeepney, from the Busuanga airport into Coron town. 
This was the picture I’ve taken when we were on the ferry before we land at Dimakya Island. Its really a paradise even looking from afar, no wonder they named it “Club Paradise”. My sister in law invited us there, actually, she wanted to visit Amanpulo, the most expensive resort in the Philippines. Food and accomodation at Club Paradise is not cheap and in dollar rates but its really worth the single centavo. My youngest son even told me that he wants to live there and don’t want to go home. The Club Paradise Restaurant offers sumptous Filipino, Asian and International Cuisine usually served buffet style.
If you’ve been to Boracay, the first thing you will notice is the sand. They’re almost the same, fine and white sand. The only difference is… you can’t walk barefooted on Palawan sand at noon when the sun is high. Sand in Boracay is always cold.
See the evidence? They never get tired. We’ve just finished swimming, dressed already and waiting for dinner at 7pm but insisted on playing on the sand. LOL
We’ve stayed at Seaview Deluxe Cottage fronting the Sunrise beach and you can see “Islang Walang Lang-Aw”, a small beautiful island and a romantic getaway. The water current of the beach in our place is not ideal for swimming but a good place to explore. From the cottage via wooden bridge is the best place to snorkle, delight your eyes with beautiful underwater sea creatures, see Nemo in action. After seeing the map, I just learned now that the area is prohibited from swimming and snorkling, it is the protected area for dugong.
Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a boat away from the island. How come I didn’t know that? There are many activities you can explore at Club Paradise… billiards, table tennis and dart boards are available at the club house at noon time. I got excited when I saw James Patterson’s picture at the club house’ bulletin board, he’s my favorite author. He was there few years ago. Sayang!
If you don’t want to miss any news back home or office, make sure that you are using smart sim. My cellphone is useless with globe simcard in the island. You can buy a smart sim at Aqua Sports Center for php 300.
I’m hoping someday that I could come back and explore more places in Palawan. I don’t want to be a tourist in my own country.
Philippine Airlines Holy Week Promo
Its pretty normal in the Philippines that filipinos will go home to their respective provinces because Holy Week is almost a week long vacation and holiday. Good thing that Philippine Airlines came up with their promo to help filipinos lessen their expenses.
Philippine Airlines had extended their P88 promo for the coming Lenten season, the promo dubbed as “Holy Week Special” is valid from March 21 to March 22, Good Friday and Black Saturday respectively. They’ve already started selling the tickets at PAL ticket offices and accredited travel agents until February 15, 2008 only.
Covered by the promo are all PAL flights between Manila and Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga. Prior to this promo they also have the “Seat All You Can” promotion last month that drew a strong market response prompting them to have another promo. The promo “Seat All You Can” is a companion scheme requiring passengers to buy a full fare ticket (valid for one year) and the chance to purchase a second ticket for P88 (valid from February 6 to March 12, 2008) each way on selected domestic flights.
For more details on these two promotions, you can call the 24-hour PAL reservation at (02) 855-8888. Better to purchase your tickets early.
Categories: Tourism Tags: PAL, Philippine Airlines
People's Park In The Sky
People’s Park in the Sky is located in Mt. Gonzales, Tagaytay City overlooking the whole of Tagaytay and the neighboring provinces. This is used to be called “Palace In The Sky” during the late President Ferdinand Marcos regime. I’ve seen the Taal Volcano in different areas in Tagaytay, no doubt that this is the best place that offers the best view of Taal Volcano.
Thinking for a quick getaway from Manila? Summer is approaching, I can feel the hot weather already in Manila. We think of Tagaytay as an alternative to Baguio because of its weather, it is nearer from Manila and can get there in less travel time. More pictures after the jump.
I haven’t been near the Taal Volcano, looking forward to it soon!
